Harrisburg and Pittsburgh Medical Malpractice Lawyers

Representing Victims of Erb’s Palsy Birth Injury

Erb’s palsy is a type of brachial plexus injury that affects only the upper arm. More specifically, the major deficit lies in moving the upper arm around the shoulder and elbow region as well rotating the lower arm. Erb’s palsy is caused by a stretching of the brachial plexus, a group of nerves near the neck. These nerves are responsible for the movement and feeling of the shoulder, arm and hand. Many times, Erb’s palsy occurs as a result of medical malpractice.

Causes of Erb’s Palsy

Most cases of Erb’s palsy are a result of an obstetrical emergency known as shoulder dystocia. This condition occurs when an infant’s shoulder becomes stuck on the mother’s pelvic bone. Shoulder dystocia is a treatable medical condition. First and foremost, medical professionals need to recognize the potential risk factors that increase an infant’s likelihood of suffering a brachial plexus injury. These include a difficult labor and delivery, maternal diabetes, short maternal stature, increased fetal weight and a breech presentation delivery. Obstetricians are trained in specific procedures that are supposed to be used in an effort to dislodge the baby’s shoulder. Examples include the McRoberts maneuver, intentionally breaking the baby’s clavicle bone or delivering the baby via caesarean section.

Unfortunately, in some instances the shoulder dystocia may not be properly identified or treated in a timely manner. Doctors should recommend a caesarean section delivery when the risk for Erb’s palsy is too high and the baby can’t be safely delivered using the proper maneuvers. Physicians may also use too much force or pressure either with the use of forceps or a vacuum or manually pulling on the baby. Any improper technique can cause a stretching or tearing to the nerves in the brachial plexus leading to an Erb’s palsy injury.

Signs of Erb’s Palsy

The symptoms associated with Erb’s palsy are usually immediately apparent at birth; however, the full extent of the damage may not be known for months later. An infant born with an Erb’s palsy injury will typically show the following signs and symptoms:

The affected arm is limp and held close against the body with the elbow flexed inward

There will be little or no movement of the arm

The infant’s hand grip may be weakened

Infants will also lack the newborn startle or Moro reflex

Loss of sensation

The affected arm may grow at a much slower pace than the unaffected arm resulting in a noticeable size difference

Treatment of Erb’s Palsy

Milder cases of an Erb’s palsy injury will heal by themselves within a few months. The recovery process for more serious cases can take months to years. Daily physical and occupational therapies are used to help improve motor function and strength. Parental involvement is crucial, as these exercises need to be performed on a regular basis. Surgical procedures may also be recommended. Surgery is most effective when performed within the first year of life. These can include tendon, muscle or nerve transfers, nerve grafts and reconstructive procedures. Despite all these treatments, some Erb’s palsy victims will suffer lifelong weakness and decreased motor function.

The Law Offices of James R. Moyles: Experienced Medical Malpractice Lawyers in Pittsburgh and Harrisburg Committed to Protecting the Rights of Birth Injury Victims

If your child has suffered an Erb’s palsy birth injury, call TheMoyles Law Firm today to discuss your potential medical malpractice claim with one our experienced personal injury lawyers. We can determine if you have the right to pursue a birth injury lawsuit. We believe that health care providers need to be held accountable for their negligence or carelessness in causing undue harm to innocent children. Our Pittsburgh medical malpractice lawyers will fight tirelessly on your behalf to ensure that you recover the maximum compensation that your child needs and deserves. Contact the Law Offices of James R. Moyles today to schedule a free consultation with a reputable medical malpractice lawyer. Call our Pittsburgh office at 412-281-1055 or our Harrisburg office at 717-233-5400 or you can contact us online.

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When my daughter was misdiagnosed at the hospital emergency room she was air lifted to Pittsburgh. Attorney James Moyles was called and he took over everything, was very professional and put us at ease. We got very good results and I would recommend Moyles Law Firm to anyone who needs a lawyer who works tirelessly for his client. We were extremely satisfied

–Diana G.

Suffering an injury causes anxiety and pain. We strive to ease your stress by guaranteeing that your lawyers are always where we say we will be and do precisely what we promise. The Moyles Law Firm remains by your side throughout the process.

–Client testimonial

My Step Father suffered from Alzheimer's and was confined to a nursing home. The nursing home failed to perform mandatory skin checks after bathing for signs of open wounds or signs of infection. He was hospitalized and ultimately passed from a urinary tract infection. The nursing home staff was negligent in detecting the severe infection. I contacted Mr. Moyles to pursue the nursing home for negligence and wrongful death. He handled everything with great professionalism and aided our family through what was a very difficult time. I would recommend Mr. Moyles to anyone who looking for a firm that is clearly on your side.

–JoAnn A.

Mr. Moyles agreed to take on my unique, personal injury case after 2 other attorneys had passed on it. He and his staff were very professional and approachable. They kept me informed about what was happening, and what to expect next, throughout the entire process. I am receiving an equitable settlement in just under a year since I first met with Mr. Moyles. I would highly recommend this law firm.

James R. Moyles

The Law Offices of James R. Moyles are located in Pittsburgh, PA and in the Harrisburg area to serve clients in and around Dauphin, Perry, Lancaster, York, Franklin.
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